Guernsey Electricity supports new Kids’ Tour event

Monday 09 July 2018

Guernsey Electricity is sponsoring a group of three local children taking part in the new Kids’ Tour event at the 2018 Tour des Ports de la Manche sailing regatta.

This year’s Tour des Ports de la Manche, sponsored by Guernsey Electricity for the fourth consecutive year, includes a new event called the Kids’ Tour.

The tour started on Sunday 8 July in Cherbourg, France and comprised a two hour circuit within Cherbourg’s harbour. It aimed to encourage young children to take part in sailing, in competition and for recreation. 

Guernsey Electricity has supported Jacques Hugo, 12, Isabel Lowe, 11 and Charlotte Phillips, 11 to take part in the Kids’ Tour.

Portfolio Management Office Lead from Guernsey Electricity, Sharon Watchorn, said: "Every year the regatta is a fantastic event, linking sailing crews from Guernsey, Jersey and France.

"Guernsey Electricity has numerous connections with Normandy through our under-sea cable network, which provides the island with hydroelectric and low-carbon power. The regatta not only benefits Guernsey from attracting hundreds of visitors to the island but it also allows us to continue to foster strong links with organisations and institutions in Normandy, many of which have links to the Tour."

Guernsey Sailing Trust Principal, Richard Klein, added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Jacques, Isabel and Charlotte and I'm really pleased we have been able to help Guernsey Electricity organise getting these children to the regatta. The Guernsey Sailing Trust strives to make sailing accessible to all at all levels. This is a rare opportunity for young sailors to compete internationally for the first time and gain valuable experience whilst having a lot of fun."

The Tour des Ports de la Manche adult regatta, established in 1984, will take place from Sunday 8 July to Friday 13 July. Typically, the nautical event attracts 110 crew and 700 sailors making it one of the largest races during the summer and the biggest sailing race in Normandy. 

The regatta links ports in the Manche and the Channel Islands: Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, Port-Délette, Guernsey, Barneville-Carteret, Jersey and Granville. The fleet departed from Saint-Vaast-La-Hougue on Sunday 8 July, and is due arrive in Granville on Friday 13 July. Each town hosting the race usually puts on a great welcome and party for the arriving crews. 

The race boats are expected to arrive into Saint Peter Port Harbour on Tuesday 10 July and leave in the morning of Wednesday 11 July for anyone who wishes to see the boats and cheer on competitors.